Rugby Union: Northwich’s Vase hopes

Jan 23 2008 by Mike Talbot-Butler, Liverpool Daily Post

HOPING to salvage something from a disappointing season by winning the Cheshire Vase, Northwich have a home draw against Wilmslow in the semi-finals to be played by Easter weekend.

After a handsome 28-3 win at Bowdon in the quarter-final, the Blacks should be capable of beating Wilmslow, which would qualify them to take on Sandbach or Hoylake in the final in early May.

Northwich’s poor league form continued on Saturday with a 29-0 thumping at North Two West leaders Chester.

Meanwhile, rich talent continues to rise in the club’s junior ranks as flanker Phil Williams and scrum-half Robin Houghton starred in Cheshire U16s’ 29-5 inter-county victory over Cumbria.

The Blacks on Saturday host Sandbach in what could be a Vase final rehearsal.

Winnington Park dropped to penultimate position in North Two West when they lost 32-0 at Stockport.

Park’s forthcoming clash with Tyldesley will almost certainly decide which club is relegated. Saturday sees Winnington host Leigh.